A brief overview of what is currently trending on on X in news, culture, and/or trending hashtags and formats.
#GivingTuesday: First it was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday, and now we've reached Giving Tuesday, an initiative that encourages altruism. Brands, universities, non-profit organizations & celebrities alike are taking to X to share who they're donating to.
Carron: A Deadspin article has gone viral calling for the NFL to speak out against a Kansas City Chiefs fan in Black face. X users can't help but notice the piece was written by a “Carron,” spurring various jokes on this new "Karen" of sorts.
United Nations: X users are outraged after the UN called on America to reduce its meat consumption. This comes as the COP28 climate summit approaches this Thursday and is part of a broader effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A deeper dive into a subject that is impacting culture on a macro level, beyond just the social space.
Gen Z is already worried about getting old
What it is: Gen Z is already worried about aging, even though their oldest age is 26. Instagram, TikTok, and online meetings where you see your face all day are contributing to their commitment to "slowing down" the process of aging. 70 percent use anti-aging serums daily, and according to beauty experts, "this generation is taking on the skin-care routine of someone older." Gen Zers are obsessed with skin care and the anti-aging filter on TikTok -- both of which show their fear of getting older.
What brands can learn: Brands, while Gen Z rallies around body positivity & authenticity, it's clear that they can't hide from their mortality. Why? Well #antiaging has 7.6 billion views on the app and the "aged filter" that went viral earlier this year has nearly 24.5 million posts. TikTok's many reminders of aging contrasted with content around youthful living into one's old age has pushed Gen Z to cherry-pick what aspects of aging they idolize and which they fear. They want to be a "coastal grandmother" while they're also willing to go to extreme lengths to keep their face plump. As much as Gen Z has tried to make social media a better place filled with tolerance & transparency, they can't get away from toxic comparison culture which tends to be the thief of joy. Life post 20s & 30s has been catastrophized in that we unapologetically categorize behaviors as acceptable for certain age groups and tacky for others. There's fear of youth and simultaneous worry that once it’s gone, reliving it is shameful. This is all to say that Gen Z is so young to be worried about growing old, especially when they're still figuring out their way in the world. Gen Z’s troubling relationship with age is a by-product of their coming of age happening in a social media, so let's be gentle with this growing generation online.
Examples: 1, 2, 3
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